Academic Development Manager (C

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Review of the Academic Development Manager Opportunity at Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University (BCU) presents a compelling opportunity for an experienced and forward-thinking professional to join their Centre for Teaching Excellence as an Academic Development Manager. This role is central to the University's mission of fostering innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in higher education, with a specific focus on enhancing teaching, learning, and curriculum design across a designated group of schools.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Impactful Role: This position offers a significant opportunity to directly influence the quality of education and student experience at a large, diverse university. You will be a pivotal figure in shaping pedagogical practices and driving the University's Education Strategy.
• Focus on Innovation and Inclusivity: The role strongly emphasizes promoting evidence-informed, innovative, and inclusive approaches. Candidates passionate about challenging deficit narratives, driving social justice in education, and embedding equity and sustainability will find this a highly rewarding environment.
• Professional Growth and Recognition: Support for achieving professional recognition, such as Advance HE Fellowship, is highlighted. The role also encourages continuous professional development and staying abreast of sector advancements, providing ample avenues for career progression.
• Collaborative Environment: You will have the chance to collaborate across disciplines and with various university departments, contributing to institutional strategies and projects. This fosters a rich network and broad understanding of higher education operations.
• Diverse and Dynamic Setting: Working within BCU means engaging with a vibrant and diverse student body, reflecting the richness of Birmingham itself. This presents unique challenges and opportunities for developing culturally responsive and equitable educational practices.
• Commitment to Equality and Diversity: BCU's explicit commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, including being Disability Confident, signals a supportive and progressive workplace.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Pedagogical Expertise: A strong foundation in pedagogical theory, coupled with extensive experience in higher education teaching and assessment, is essential. Candidates should be adept at designing and delivering development initiatives.
• Strategic Thinking: The role requires the ability to analyze data, understand sector trends, and translate these insights into targeted academic development initiatives. Experience contributing to education strategy and policy is a significant advantage.
• Relationship Building and Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are paramount. You will need to build trust and rapport with academic staff across various disciplines, influencing and inspiring them to adopt new practices.
• Commitment to Equity: A deep-seated commitment to inclusive, student-centred education and equity-focused approaches is a core requirement. Experience in leading initiatives that address awarding gaps and promote belonging for diverse student groups will be highly valued.
• Understanding of Sector Challenges: Candidates should possess a robust understanding of current challenges in higher education, particularly regarding equity, inclusion, and the digital landscape of learning and teaching.
• Employment Structure: Be aware that, for most roles, employment will be through their subsidiary company, BCU Support Services Limited. However, provisions exist for those wishing to enter the LGPS scheme to be employed directly by Birmingham City University.

This Academic Development Manager role at Birmingham City University is an excellent opportunity for an educator who is passionate about shaping the future of higher education through innovative, inclusive, and equitable practices. If you are driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the academic journey of students and staff, this position warrants serious consideration for your career path.